Speech Therapist

Description

The Speech Therapist, also known as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), is responsible for assessing, diagnosing, and treating speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders in patients or residents in healthcare, long-term care, or rehabilitation settings. The Speech Therapist works closely with patients, families, and the interdisciplinary care team to develop individualized treatment plans to improve communication abilities, cognitive-linguistic skills, and swallowing safety. This role focuses on enhancing patients' quality of life by helping them regain functional communication and swallowing abilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assessment and Diagnosis:

  • Conduct comprehensive assessments to evaluate speech, language, voice, fluency, and swallowing disorders.
  • Administer standardized tests and non-standardized assessments to identify patients' communication and swallowing deficits.
  • Develop diagnostic reports and collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to determine appropriate treatment plans.

• Individualized Treatment Planning:

  • Design and implement personalized treatment plans to address communication disorders such as aphasia, dysarthria, apraxia, cognitive-linguistic impairments, and swallowing disorders (dysphagia).
  • Provide therapeutic interventions, including speech and language exercises, cognitive-linguistic retraining, oral-motor exercises, and swallowing techniques.
  • Continuously monitor and adjust treatment plans based on patient progress and feedback.

• Therapeutic Interventions:

  • Use evidence-based practices to treat speech, language, voice, fluency, and swallowing disorders.
  • Provide therapy for patients with communication impairments due to stroke, traumatic brain injury, neurological disorders, and degenerative diseases.
  • Offer interventions for cognitive-linguistic impairments related to memory, attention, problem-solving, and executive functioning.

• Swallowing and Dysphagia Management:

  • Conduct swallowing evaluations using techniques such as bedside evaluations, modified barium swallow studies, and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluations (if trained).
  • Develop and implement treatment strategies to manage dysphagia, including diet modifications, compensatory techniques, and therapeutic exercises.
  • Educate patients, families, and caregivers on safe swallowing techniques and strategies to prevent aspiration.

• Patient and Family Education:

  • Provide education and training to patients, families, and caregivers on communication strategies, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, and safe swallowing techniques.
  • Educate patients on exercises and strategies to enhance speech, language, and cognitive abilities at home.

• Documentation and Compliance:

  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of patient assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and discharge summaries in the electronic health record (EHR) system.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and facility regulations regarding speech therapy services and patient care.
  • Participate in care team meetings and interdisciplinary discussions to provide input on patient progress and care planning.

• Collaboration and Communication:

  • Collaborate with physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals to provide holistic care for patients.
  • Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, care conferences, and discharge planning meetings.
  • Communicate effectively with patients, families, and team members regarding treatment goals, progress, and expected outcomes.

Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited program.
• Licensure: Current and active Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) license. Certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is required (CCC-SLP).
• Experience: Previous experience in a healthcare, long-term care, or rehabilitation setting is preferred but not required. New graduates are welcome to apply.
• Skills:
  • Strong clinical assessment and diagnostic skills in speech, language, and swallowing disorders.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a compassionate and patient-centered approach to care.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team and collaborate with other healthcare professionals.
  • Proficiency in electronic health records (EHR) systems and documentation.
  • Knowledge of current evidence-based practices in speech therapy, cognitive-linguistic rehabilitation, and dysphagia management.

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Salary : $55 - $60